Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Story Prize?

The Story Prize is an annual book award honoring the author of an outstanding collection of short fiction with a $20,000 cash award. Each of two runners-up will receive $5,000. Eligible books must be written in English (by a living writer) and first published in the United States during a calendar year.

How are books considered for the award?

Publishers, authors, or agents may enter eligible works of short fiction. Guidelines and application forms may be found by following the appropriate links on this site under the INFO menu. The deadline for books published from January through June is July 1. For books published from July through December, the deadline is November 15. The Story Prize reserves the right to decline any entry. Please contact us if the $75 entry fee presents a hardship, and we will consider waiving it.

How is the winner decided?

Larry Dark, director of The Story Prize, and Founder Julie Lindsey select three finalists from among the books entered. Three independent judges choose the winner from among the finalists.

Who will serve as the judges?

The group of judges will have a different composition every year but will consist of a mix of writers, booksellers, readers, critics, teachers, publishers, and editors. The judges for books published in 2024 are writer and editor Elliott Holt, writer Maurice Carlos Ruffin, and bookseller Lucy Yu of Yu & Me Books.

When will the finalists be announced?

The three finalists for The Story Prize for books published in 2024—Highway Thirteen by Fiona McFarlane (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), There Is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Rueben Reyes Jr. (Mariner Books), and Ghost PAins by Jessi Jezewska Stevens (And Other Stories)—were announced on January 13, 2025, via social media and email. We’ll announce the winner on March 25, 2025.

How will the winner be announced?

We will announce the 21st winner of The Story Prize on March 25, 2024, at a private event consisting of readings by and interviews with the three finalists. The winner will receive an engraved silver bowl and $20,000. The other two finalists will each receive $5,000. The event will be livestreamed. Details to follow.

What is The Story Prize Spotlight Award?

The Story Prize Spotlight Award is an additional $1,000 prize for the author of an outstanding story collection that merits further attention. Director Larry Dark will select the winner at his discretion from among the regular pool of entries for The Story Prize. Any book submitted will also receive consideration for The Story Prize Spotlight Award. There is no separate entry process or additional fee. We’ll announce the next winner, as well as a longlist, in early 2025.